Do I need an Iran Visa on Arrival to visit Iran? And how hard is to get a visa? This is the most frequent question we get asked right after October 20 2015 that Iran has started issuing visas with 30 days validity at Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Tehran Mehrabad (THR), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ) and Tabriz (TBZ) international airports.

In a few words “If you plan to go on trip to Iran, don't risk it. Get an Iran visa the proper way from the Embassy.”

Whether you need a visa depends on where you are from and where you are travelling to.

Citizens of around 60 countries do not need an Iran visa to enter Iran for travelling purposes for various amounts of times.

Iran Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Most other countries citizens can gain a Iran visa on arrival from most of the major airports in Iran, although for peace of mind they can also apply for visas beforehand.

Visas on arrival for most countries only allow for a stay of 15 days. For US and Canadian citizens due to lack of any consular services in Iran, must have prior approval of an itinerary and tour operator before applying for a visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Iran Visa on Arrival : Iran has extended airport visa validity from 14 days to 30 days as part of its plans to boost tourism industry in the country. Photo by arwcheek @ Flickr